Income Tax raids on Boudh Distillery Private Limited, an Odisha-based company, have entered the sixth day, resulting in the seizure of a record-breaking Rs 351 crore in cash. The ongoing investigations are linked to Congress Rajya Sabha MP Dhiraj Kumar Sahu, sparking a political controversy in the state.
The Income Tax department initiated the raids on December 6, targeting the distillery company and its promoters for alleged tax evasion and off-the-book transactions. The counting process, aided by additional machines, staff, and security personnel, is still underway, revealing a floor covered in cash and lockers filled with notes.
The recovery of substantial unaccounted cash has triggered a political showdown, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) demanding explanations from the Congress. Union Home Minister Amit Shah criticized the INDI alliance’s silence on the corruption issue, emphasizing the significant amount of cash seized from an MP’s residence.
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh asserted that the party has no connection to the business dealings of MP Dhiraj Sahu. He called for Sahu to explain how such large sums of cash were found in his properties. Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the need for accountability, stating that all looted public funds must be returned.
The BJP, participating in a protest near the Parliament, questioned the source and purpose of the massive cash recovery. BJP President JP Nadda suggested that the counting process might reveal even more undisclosed funds, labelling the current findings as just the “tip of the iceberg.” The BJP claimed that the seized cash in Jharkhand and Odisha was intended for “horse trading and resort politics.”
The Income Tax department deployed various counting machines and personnel to accelerate the process, focusing on raids against Baldeo Sahu and Group of Companies, a major countrymade liquor manufacturer in western Odisha. Offices and residences associated with this group are now under scrutiny.
The income tax raids on Boudh Distillery Private Limited have led to the unprecedented seizure of Rs 351 crore, triggering political debates and allegations. As the investigations continue, the focus remains on uncovering the details of alleged tax evasion and off-the-book transactions involving the distillery company and its promoters, including Congress MP Dhiraj Kumar Sahu.
